Review new and revised guidance and requirements.

Stay up to date with new and revised guidance and requirements on our website.

New guidance and requirements

• Drainfield Stress Test Requirements for Report of System Status—We require stress tests of drainfields for property sale inspections for Report of System Status (RSS) applications for all gravity and pump to gravity systems. We added 2 questions to OnlineRME, so you can easily report stress test results. This requirement will begin in July 2024.
• Guidance for Unpermitted Septic Connections—During our inspections for RSS applications, we sometimes discover unpermitted connections to existing septic systems. Property owners can either remove the connection or permit them by submitting a remodel application.

Revised guidance and requirements

• Tank Repair and Replacement Requirements—Updated to add section about tank repairs. You can repair septic and pump tank(s) twice before you must replace them.
• Mechanical Remediation Method—Since Terralift is a patented technology, we changed the name of the Second Terralift Policy to include all mechanical methods of remediating the drainfield.

Flags and labels for individual wells 

When you stake your well site, you should place a stake in the ground with a flag and label it with “well.” If the well site is within a wooded area, you should flag the path to the well. Flag the nearest property line, when possible. 

Installations require supervision of a licensed installer.

A licensed installer must perform or supervise all installation activities. Supervision can occur in-person, or by video or audio contact. 

Locate water lines before installation.

We recommend you locate existing water line locations before design. Designers must verify water line at design or installation and indicate location on as built. Installer must leave water line uncovered for Health Department inspection unless previously agreed upon by a Health Department representative. You must accurately represent water lines on record drawings. They can’t be assumed.

We will not issue variances for reduced setbacks when water line may be relocated to meet setbacks. 

Variance approvals

We will only approve variances that meet Washington State Department of Health guidelines— Granting Waivers from State On-Site Sewage System Regulations.

Backfill verification must contain installer signature and date of backfill.

We don’t require component information on backfill certificates to accept the record drawing. Designers are responsible for providing system set up information on record drawing. 

Questions?

Visit tpchd.org/septic or contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1925.